Young Dragons centre forced to retire due to back injury

Retiring because of injury and not on one’s own terms is disappointing for any player and St George Illawarra Dragons centre Dylan Farrell had was today forced to close the curtain on his career.

At the end of the 2015 season, Farrell suffered a complex back injury that has been ongoing and despite rehabilitation and treatment to make himself right, it has been to no avail.

That led Farrell to re-assess his options and he felt it was the right time to retire for both himself and his family.

“It is not the way that I would have preferred to bow out but deep down I know it is the best decision for both my family and myself moving forward in the long run,” said Farrell.

“I have enjoyed every minute playing rugby league and wish I could have returned to the field but unfortunately it was not meant to be.”

Farrell made his NRL debut with the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2010 and was named in the Holden Cup Team of the Year in that season.

After numerous years at the Bunnies, Farrell joined the Dragons and played in 19 NRL games for the St George club over three years, bringing his total number of games in the NRL to 89.

Although he has not been playing due to his injury, Farrell has been active off the field for the Dragons, keeping himself busy by working in the Dragons Community department.

Farrell has been a part of programs such as the Dragons ‘Indigenous Advancement’ program, the 2016 Dragons Diary ‘Best You Can Be’ and the ‘Tackling Domestic Violence’ campaign.

All of this has kept Farrell busy and he is proud of the opportunity afforded to him to be involved in these programs.

“I am proud to have been involved in so many positive programs promoting healthy living to children of all ages across the state in my role this season working with the Dragons Community department,” said Farrell.

“It was a healthy distraction from my back issues and helped put a lot of things in perspective for me as a person.

“I am honoured to have been able to play alongside some great players and have made many valuable friendships and memories along the way.

With his playing career now finished prematurely, Farrell looks forward to what life has in store for him.

“I would like to thank all the coaches and support staff who I have been under for helping me grow as a player and to them all I am forever grateful,” added Farrell.

“I look forward now to the next chapter in my life whatever that may be.”

Farrell received praise from Dragons coach Paul McGregor, who applauded the centre’s tenacity and hard-work.

“Dylan is a hardworking player who was never afraid to roll-up his sleeves and help get the job done,” said McGregor.

“It is unfortunate that his ongoing battle with injury has gotten the better of him but he is the type of person who will bounce back from this and turn it into a positive for the rest of his life.

“Everyone at the Dragons wishes him all the very best for his future and we thank him for his services to the Club.”